Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 13 janvier 2018
Clear Your Schedule, Because Disney Is Offering All of Their Movies For Free This Weekend
If you had plans this weekend, we're happy to report that it's time for you to cancel them (c'mon - you weren't going to follow through on them anyway, admit it!). Instead of going out, grab some popcorn and get your TV ready to go for the most epic Disney movie marathon EVER. OK, OK, that might be a little dramatic, but we can't hide our excitement over the fact Disney Family Movies is offering a free sneak preview of their movie collection until Jan. 15.
The 24/7 on-demand service is allowing everyone with a few select cable providers - you can see the full list here to check if you qualify - to watch beloved animated and live-action Disney flicks right on your screen, rather than having to dig around for a dusty VHS tape you have buried in the bottom of your TV stand. Both well-known classics and the studio's more recent offerings are included. For instance, movies like Ratatouille, Freaky Friday, Cars, Muppet Treasure Island, Pinocchio, The Parent Trap, Underdog, Sky High, The Kid, The Big Green, and Swing Kids will be yours for the binging.
Whether you want to reminisce about one of Lindsay Lohan's roles from almost 15 years ago, or watch Kermit go on a pirate adventure, you'll be able to do it all from the comfort of your own couch. You better start streaming soon before the free deal ends!
8 Questions We Need the Roseanne Reboot to Answer
When any show comes back, fans of the original are going to have questions. Are Will & Grace's kids still married? Who's the Simon Cowell of the new American Idol judging panel? What happened to Audrey on Twin Peaks?
The revival of Roseanne is no different. There are a lot of questions we need answered, but first and foremost, what the show is going to do about the way the original series ended. Read on to find out what the most burning questions are, what answers we may already have, and what we need from the revival.
You’ll Cry-Laugh Reading These Dramatic Reactions to Taylor Swift’s New Music Video
Taylor Swift has everyone buzzing about Reputation once again. The singer released the music video for "End Game" at midnight on Friday, and fans couldn't resist sharing their feelings about it on Twitter. "All I can say is that [Taylor] did not let me down with the #EndGameMusicVideo," one fan tweeted. "I'm comforted by the fact that it's 2018 and Taylor still can't dance," another fan wrote. "Some things never change." Swifties weren't the only ones offering their opinions, though. Critics also chimed in with their unfiltered thoughts on the Ed Sheeran and Future-assisted single. Keep reading to see some of the best reactions to "End Game," then watch the video for yourself above.
Sorry, Nancy Kerrigan Has No Interest in Seeing I, Tonya: "I Was the Victim"
Image Source: Getty / David Madison
The award season buzz around Craig Gillespie's Tonya Harding biopic I, Tonya has been building for a while, especially now that lead Margot Robbie took home a Critics' Choice award for her performance as the infamous figure skater. Although Hollywood might be charmed by the dark, comedic take on the 1994 scandal - which involved a man hired by Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, bashing fellow figure skater Nancy Kerrigan's knee with a baton - Kerrigan herself is decidedly not a fan. In fact, she'd appreciate it if you stopped asking her if she plans on seeing I, Tonya, OK?
"I really have nothing to say about it. I haven't seen anything. I haven't watched anything," she said during a phone interview with The Boston Globe. "I've been busy. I was at the national [figure skating] championships this week so I didn't watch the Golden Globes. I haven't seen the movie. I'm just busy living my life."
Image Source: Everett Collection
The 48-year-old athlete, who went on to win the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Lillehammer following the incident, has since retired from skating. She's continued to show her moves in a variety of ice skating shows, however, including 2006's Skating With Celebrities on Fox, the 2007 comedy Blades of Glory, and season 24 of Dancing With the Stars. Now that Harding is going on a redemption tour of sorts, how does Kerrigan feel about it?
"I don't know," she told The Boston Globe. "At this point, it's so much easier and better to just be . . . it's not really part of my life. As you say, I was the victim. Like, that's my role in this whole thing. That's it. It is weird, that's for sure. A bizarre thing. The whole thing was crazy, being that it's a story. I mean, come on."
Whether I, Tonya scores a coveted Oscar nomination later this month or not, it's safe to say Kerrigan won't be buying a ticket to see it anytime soon.
This New Song Justin Timberlake Produced Is as Catchy as It Is Heartbreaking
When Justin Timberlake discovered The Shadowboxers in 2013 on Twitter, he knew instantly that they would be stars. Their soulful, infectious sound set them apart from any other band currently in the music scene, and Justin could see that each of the three band members is as musically and vocally talented as the next.
Fast forward a few years later, and The Shadowboxers - bandmates Scott Tyler, Matt Lipkins, and Adam Hoffman from Atlanta - are in the recording studio with Justin, producing some of the most addicting songs your ears ever did hear. After countless hours of writing and recording, The Shadowboxers have come out with a brand-new single called "Runaway" - and it's as catchy as it is heartbreaking.
You can definitely hear hints of Justin's musical influence, and that's because he lent a hand in producing the song.
While The Shadowboxers' last single, "Hot Damn," was a powerhouse hit that gives you a sexy adrenaline rush, "Runaway" is certainly on the more vulnerable side. The song starts with, "Trying to make sense of a rain storm, it don't matter if you're wrong or right. So if you go again, just go again. Don't make a scene." And these are the lyrics in the bridge: "I never thought you'd run away, there's so much we didn't say. Don't you try giving me up." Are your hearts breaking yet?!
Even though "Runaway" certainly has an underlying theme of confusion and uncertainty that's sometimes experienced in a relationship, the beat is absolutely contagious, and you can't help but tap your foot.
Justin tweeted about the release of the new single today, gushing about how proud he is of Scott, Matt, and Adam: "My guys did it again...New track out today. #Runaway"
My guys did it again... @theshadowboxers. New track out today. #Runaway https://t.co/jZV0K2XdDF http://pic.twitter.com/S1DJI66dLS
- Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) January 12, 2018
We can't wait to see what other hits The Shadowboxers will release this year! Now if only we could see them perform with Justin at the Super Bowl halftime show . . .
You Can Already Listen to 2 Songs From the Steamy Fifty Shades Freed Soundtrack
Fifty Shades Freed might not hit theaters until Feb. 9, but that hasn't stopped us from obsessing over every little detail that's squeaked out in the meantime. In addition to a steamy new trailer full of revelations and a behind-the-scenes look, we can now listen to two songs off of the soundtrack. Rita Ora and Liam Payne's "For You" dropped first, and now Hailee Steinfeld and BloodPop have teamed up for "Capital Letters."
In addition to those catchy singles, the soundtrack (Head to the bottom of this post to see the tracklist in full) will feature songs from pop artists like Sia, Ellie Goulding, Dua Lipa, Julia Michaels, and . . . Jamie Dornan?! Yep, Christian Grey himself will apparently cover Paul McCartney's classic love song "Maybe I'm Amazed" for Fifty Shades Freed's musical accompaniment. In other words, we have way more to look forward to than just Ben Wa balls.
For This Weekend Only, You Can Watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel For Free
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is quickly becoming the new It show this award season, and it's not hard to tell why. Not only does the series feature a strong female character we can all root for (played by the equally brilliant Rachel Brosnahan), but it's also helmed by beloved Gilmore Girls creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino. With all the buzz the show is getting, you are probably wondering just how you can jump on the bandwagon and start binging.
Since The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an Amazon show, it's exclusively available for Amazon Prime users. If you're not willing to shell out the $8.25 per month for an account, though, we have some good news. For this weekend only, the series will be available on Amazon Prime Video for FREE! The offer begins on Friday, Jan. 12 at 12:01 a.m. local time and ends at at 11:59 p.m. local time on Monday, Jan. 15, so be sure to get in all eight episodes during that time.
Obsessed With The Greatest Showman Soundtrack? These Sing-Along Screenings Are For You
Admit it: you're still belting out "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. And honestly? We don't blame you. The soundtrack for Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron's circus musical is ridiculously catchy, no matter how unrealistic the plot is. Now, if the idea of singing all of The Greatest Showman's songs at the top of your lungs in a movie theater sounds like an exciting way to spend an evening, we have some especially good news - select theaters are now showing the film in a sing-along format!
The showings will display the words to each song on the screen as they come up, so you and about 100 other people can sing "Rewrite the Stars" in perfect harmony even if you don't have all the lyrics memorized. Unfortunately, there's a catch: the sing-along screenings are only happening at a select 300 theaters across America. The limited-edition showings begin on Friday, Jan. 12 and continue on for a week. That means you need to head to The Greatest Showman's website ASAP if you want to score some tickets.
So, go gargle some saltwater, warm up with some scales, and get ready to hit every note on songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's Golden Globe award-winning soundtrack.
10 Reasons You Know Fifty Shades Newcomer Arielle Kebbel
Arielle Kebbel might be playing a new character in the upcoming Fifty Shades Freed, but you've seen this actress on the big and small screens for years. Maybe you're a fan of her Hallmark and Lifetime movies (aka Four Christmases and a Wedding), or you know her from 2006's Aquamarine, but those aren't the roles that made her into a star.
There have been 10 big roles that Kebbel has landed throughout her career - which started back in 2003 with a few small appearances on different TV series like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - and we've rounded them up for you as a little refresher course. Warning: reading about all of these epic roles might make you want to re-watch a few TV series or movies, and we highly recommend you do.
Get to Know More About Margot Robbie, Hollywood's Most Buzzed-About Leading Lady
Although Margot Robbie might have started off as the costar to actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Will Smith, the Australian actress has become a leading lady in her own right. After bursting onto the acting scene in films like About Time and The Wolf of Wall Street, the gorgeous actress has been buzzed about a lot for both her high-profile role as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and her personal life - and she's garnering even more attention thanks to the handful of award nominations she's received after playing figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya. Here's your chance to get to know the star as she completely takes over Hollywood (and you fall madly in love with her).
Start 2018 Off Right With the 74 New Titles Coming to Netflix in January
Now that the ice cold Winter months are upon us, there's no better time to curl up on your couch with Netflix's best and brightest new titles. Just like the December list, January boasts tons of exciting additions to the streaming giant's lineup, like Bring It On, Love Actually, King Kong, The Godfather, and more. Check them all out ahead!
That All the Money in the World Controversy Just Got So Much Worse
A new, disappointing layer to the disturbing pay dispute behind All the Money in the World's reshoots has emerged. As a quick refresher, Christopher Plummer replaced Kevin Spacey in the film after the latter was accused of sexual assault by Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp. According to sources, Mark Wahlberg earned about $1.5 million from the reshoots to eliminate an alleged sexual predator from the film, while Michelle Williams - who is the film's lead - earned about $1,000. But this isn't just another example of a male actor getting paid more than his female costar. In fact, a new report reveals that the reason for the disparity is much worse.
According to a new exclusive from USA Today, Wahlberg allegedly demanded the money before he approved of Plummer's casting and agreed to the reshoots. You may be asking, "Why does Ridley Scott, the film's director, need his approval to change the film?" The source cited in USA Today's article says Wahlberg's contract gave him approval rights for all costars.
There's also a matter of a "reshoot clause," or a part of the contract that stipulates what might happen should reshoots be necessary. In this respect, the facts are murkier. One source says Wahlberg didn't have a clause for reshoots in his contract but Williams did. This is why Williams earned a modest per-diem pay and why Wahlberg could negotiate for more. However, another source says both Wahlberg and Williams had reshoot clauses in their contracts. Even in this case, though, it seems Wahlberg's costar approval would be the ultimate collateral.
"I said I'd be wherever they needed me, whenever they needed me. And they could have my salary, they could have my holiday, whatever they wanted."
Considering this information, it's clear that it's more than just a gender pay gap issue, but that definitely is part of it. Contract negotiations, naturally, are ground zero for pay disparities between a male and female lead. Outside of this, though, the story behind Wahlberg's hefty bonus seems to be something more sinister: when it comes to Williams, the actress was willing to do anything to get an alleged sexual predator out of the film. In fact, USA Today refers back to her comment on the matter of reshoots: "I said I'd be wherever they needed me, whenever they needed me. And they could have my salary, they could have my holiday, whatever they wanted. Because I appreciated so much that they were making this massive effort."
Wahlberg, it seems, was willing to let the film implode if he didn't get his extra cash.
8 YA Books Becoming Movies in 2018
Of all the books becoming movies in 2018, there are a number of titles of the YA variety. Yes, young adult books are still hot, as are their adaptations, and this year promises a spate of not just postapocalyptic society tales but also a coming-of-age story about coming out and a classic novel from your childhood that's getting the epic Disney treatment.
Tarte Is Launching 2 New Blending Tools - and You Need Them Both!
Meet the newest members of Tarte's blending squad! In addition to launching a foundation range that is about to send the internet into a damn frenzy, Tarte is releasing two important tools to go with it. These newbies are the Tarte Double Duty Beauty Paddle Brush ($28) and the Shaper Contouring Sponge ($18). Both launch at tarte.com on Jan. 15, at ulta.com on Jan. 21, and in Ulta stores on Feb. 4.
Set. Your. Calendar!
But let's backtrack. The aforementioned foundation is the Tarte Shape Tape Foundation ($39), which you can read all about here. Seriously, we have included every detail, from the ingredient list to the shade names and the applicators. We even reviewed both finishes in the range, explaining how well the high-coverage Matte finish covers acne and how dewy and glowy the Hydrating texture will leave your face (yup, there are "before" and "after" images in both features!).
So now, we'd like to turn the spotlight on the friendly makeup tools that will help you get your preferred "final" look. Keep reading to learn more about Tarte's magical new tools.
Yes, Tarte Shape Tape Foundation Is Launching - and We Have Every Single Detail (Exclusive!)
One Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is sold every 20 seconds. Take that in for a minute. The creamy, buttery formula that hugs your under-eye and spreads to cover everything in its path (dark circles, fine lines) has garnered a well-deserved devoted fan base. And now, POPSUGAR can exclusively share that Shape Tape is getting a sister!
You've seen the teases, and we can confirm that Shape Tape Foundation ($39) is coming this month. There is more - Tarte is having twins, because there are two formulas! Plus, there's a new paddle brush and blending sponge. Deep breath in . . . deep breath out. It all launches at tarte.com on Jan. 15, at ulta.com on Jan. 21, and in Ulta stores on Feb. 4. Bets on how many of those babies will sell per minute?
Let's chat through every single detail of these two formulas that include - you guessed it! - Matte and Hydrating finishes. The bottles are packaged almost identical, save for the fact that Matte has a purple strip under the cap and Hydrating has a blue one. It truly looks like a giant Shape Tape Concealer in that the cap has the same purple chevron-and-gold pattern. Shape Tape Foundation also has a bigger doe-foot wand shaped just like the concealer one.
The Tarte Shape Tape Matte Foundation is your vegan, oil-free, full-coverage pick. Oh yes, and it's waterproof, so you can check off the "stay-all-day" box. Think of it as a big version of the Shape Tape concealer in that it will totally correct and cover everything under it, including smoothing over pores, acne, and redness. This is your Instagram filter in a bottle. It's so matte, in fact, that you won't need setting powder on top of it. The 15 shades are made of vitamin E, which offers emollient and antioxidant properties, as well as mineral pigments to offer that soft, airbrushed look.
A rep from the brand suggests applying it in sections to your face, because it sets quickly. It is recommended to use it with Tarte's new Double Duty Beauty paddle brush ($28) - which is gold and purple, matching the whole Shape Tape line. The soft, yet dense brushes buff the formula in to create a doll-like canvas.
The Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation is for those of us who love to look dewy and are all about skin care. The oil-free formula promises 12 hours of wear with a luminous finish. The gel-like texture is creamy and more blendable than its Matte counterpart. You can still see the skin under it, but if you like lighter foundations, note it can be built up to thicker coverage. It also feels a bit more cooling on the skin than the Matte version. We would suggest the Hydrating one for warmer months and tropical vacations since it will give you a glowy look and resist against sweat.
What's more: our Hydrating friend is packed with skin-benefiting ingredients. It has collagen and hyaluronic acid to plump skin, as well as biopolymer filling spheres that help to smooth out your complexion while keeping moisture in the skin cells. There are also holistic ingredients like barley extract (firms the outer layer of skin), vitamin C (an antioxidant that is potent against the sun), and the brand's signature Amazonian clay (provides the longwear property we love from Tarte).
Like Matte, the Hydrating formula is meant to go with a special blending tool. The Shaper Contouring Sponge ($18) has a festive, two-tone purple marble print. It's rounded on one side, with two flat sides that are meant for blending and contouring. The precision chiseled tip - which is a flat rectangle - fits into hard-to-reach spots, such as around your nose or eyes. To use, simply wet it with water (old school), serum (to look even dewier), or setting spray (for a mattifying effect), and blend the gel foundation in.
The 15-shade range includes porcelain, fair beige, fair-light neutral, light neutral, light sand, light-medium beige, light-medium honey, light-medium sand, medium honey, medium sand, medium neutral, medium-tan honey, tan sand, deep honey, and mahogany.
Keep reading to see the first official images of this major collection!
It Took 16 Years to Get a Pixie Cut on The Bachelor - and Yes, It Matters
We've seen hundreds of women compete on The Bachelor since the series premiered in 2002. If you get to know the ladies, they have different careers, reside in different cities, and have different ideas of fun (taxidermy, anyone?). But peering at the surface tells a less diverse story, on many levels.
The franchise's lack of racial diversity has long been an issue, with Rachel Lindsay breaking barriers as the first black star of The Bachelorette just last year, in its 13th season.
Beyond that, there are a number of other ways the cast is eerily homogeneous. Just take a glance at the cast photo from any given season and you'll quickly notice similar characteristics across the board: slim, shiny white teeth, and flowing long hair. It's very rare that a woman who sports a short cut appears on the show. Although we suspected that this trend would hold true, it wasn't until we dug back to previous years that we sadly confirmed how accurate this reality is.
Let's do some simple math here. There have been 22 seasons of The Bachelor (the latest being Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s), with at least 25 women on each. That means that more than 550 women have searched for love on national television. Only a small fraction of those women have had locks above their shoulders, and we can't help asking . . . why?
Just looking back at the past five years of The Bachelor will give you a fair idea of what we're talking about. On Luyendyk Jr.'s season, Bekah Martinez stunned viewers for a couple of reasons, one being her young age that she's been keeping hush-hush. Age aside, Martinez's pixie cut sparked a conversation about appearance and just how abnormal it is to see such a hairstyle on the ABC show. In fact, she's the only woman in all of Bachelor franchise history to have a pixie cut. One scroll through Martinez's Instagram proves she's no stranger to the hair salon and has zero fear in switching it up. Bachelor Nation is loving her 'do, comparing her to characters like Betty Boop and Rizzo from Grease. Still, the only other time we've seen hair that short was on season 16 with Ben Flajnik, when a woman decades his senior stepped out of the limo - and she wasn't even one of the true 25 contestants, just the grandmother of one.
L-R: Amber James, Kelsey Poe, and Danielle Maltby
On season 21, Nick Viall dated Danielle Maltby, with hair that barely touched her shoulders, up until episode six. Another woman with short hair, Brittany Farrar, didn't make it past episode three. During season 20, Ben Higgins met Amber James. She had hair touching her shoulders and was sent home during episode three. Go back one more to season 19 with Chris Soules, where Kelsey Poe, known for her odd behavior on the show, fought for his heart. She had a blunt bob and was sent home on episode six, making it halfway through the season.
Blonde-haired and blue-eyed Sean Lowe found love with Catherine Giudici on season 17. But before he handed out that final rose, he sent home two dozen other women, including Leslie Hughes, who had hair to her shoulders. She only made it to episode four.
Sure, we've seen some shoulder-length cuts and maybe even a lob or bob every now and again. But apparently a criterion of being on The Bachelor is having locks that can at least be pulled into a ponytail.
Image Source: Chris Walter / WireImage / Getty
Over on The Bachelorette spinoff, not one leading lady had hair similar to Martinez's. The shortest we've seen out of 13 seasons was on the second season, when Meredith Phillips had a bob. But since then no one has come close. Just think about the most recent women on the show: Rachel Lindsay, JoJo Fletcher, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Andi Dorfman, and Desiree Hartsock. They're all beautiful, and they all had hair down to their chests.
Let's make one thing extremely clear: Long hair is beautiful. So is short hair. So is no hair.
Let's make one thing extremely clear: Long hair is beautiful. So is short hair. So is no hair. Everyone has different preferences, and there's someone out there for everyone. But by The Bachelor and its franchises continuing to cast a certain "look" (with hair just being one of many ways they do that), it is sending a message to viewers, and that message is: Long hair is attractive, and that's what men want and that's what's going to look good on TV.
The funny thing is, as a society, we typically applaud celebrities who take the plunge with a pair of scissors. When Kate Hudson shaved her head last year for a film, we thought it was a daring, sexy look. Cara Delevingne also shaved her head and dyed it platinum blonde for a film, saying it's "exhausting to be told what beauty should look like." Well said, Cara! Miley Cyrus revealed her pixie cut in 2012, and Rihanna basically stepped onto the music scene with a tight pixie. Now if any one of these beauties wanted to go on The Bachelor, we bet no one would object. So why are we only seeing a pixie cut for the first time on season 22?
Yes, it may be just hair, but it hints at the larger problem. Let's hope this season's standout hairstyle is the next small step toward the Bachelor franchise celebrating a less cookie-cutter idea of beauty.
These Are the 3 Shades You Need For Emilia Clarke's Critics' Choice Awards Nude Lip
The perfect nude lip: at first it seems like an easy task, but much like finding your ideal red lipstick, it's pretty hard to master. With no "nude" shade being the same from one person to the next, sometimes it takes more than one lip product to create the hue, and for Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, it took three.
Emilia's Critics' Choice Awards look was understated but very chic, all thanks to a sophisticated updo, strong cat eye, and beige lip color. Jillian Dempsey is the woman behind Emilia's beautiful red carpet looks, and she told POPSUGAR how to mix shades to create this red-carpet-worthy lip color.
Jillian mixed Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Lipsticks ($28) in Ruthless, Vibe, and Respect, layering the colors and mixing on her hand before applying on the lips. The creamy matte formula meant the shades melted together to create a seamless look, but one that stayed put throughout the award show all night.
Image Source: Jillian Dempsey
Other key products used included Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($38) and Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation ($48) for dewy, radiant skin.
Another top tip of Jillian's is to always apply lip balm as a first step (she likes to use Smith's Rosebud Salve ($7)). After applying the rest of the makeup, she blots the balm to take off any excess before applying the lip color. This way a matte lip won't cause lips to dry out quickly.
Image Source: Jillian Dempsey
Ahead, see more shots of Emilia's makeup look.
Natalia Dyer Just Introduced 2018's Version of Hollywood S-Waves
Stranger Things star Natalia Dyer just gave us the 2018 version of Hollywood waves at this year's Critics' Choice Awards, and we desperately need to re-create the superpretty look now. Her stylist, Lacy Redway, wanted to keep the look modern and fresh but incorporating some Old Hollywood vibes. She merged modern and Hollywood together with her 2018 take on the classic marcel wave, and we're obsessed. Here's how to re-create Natalia's hair.
Lacy always preps red carpet hair with mousse like Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam ($12) to keep it in place for the entire evening and add volume at the roots. She worked the product in with a Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer ($399) and created waves using a GHD Platinum Professional Styler ($249).
Lacy wanted the finished look to "appear piecey unlike traditional marcel waves" by using Kristin Ess Depth Defining Water Based Pomade ($10) and Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil ($22). She finished off the look with Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist ($14) to keep flyaways at bay.
They're Here! We Swatched All 30 of Tarte's New Shape Tape Foundations
Shape Tape Nation, brace yourself! Tarte is officially launching the highly anticipated Shape Tape Foundation, and the POPSUGAR Beauty team got our hands on the new formulas first.
The launch is coming at you hot in two different finishes: Hydrating and Matte. Each finish features 15 shades, which we swatched so you don't have to. After testing the new foundation, we're confident Shape Tape fanatics will love it for a few reasons. The Matte shades has the same full-coverage, Instagram-finish as the concealer. It's also super easy to blend and feels like expensive silk on skin.
Tarte recommends using its new Double Duty Beauty Paddle Brush ($28) in unison with the Matte formula, and we suggest you try it, too. We used the brush to buff in the matte liquid and were super impressed with the results. The Matte foundation covers just about every blemish (including acne scars and redness) with just light buffing and a little product.
The Hydrating formula, on the other hand, provides medium-to-full coverage that'll work great on dry skin. Upon first application, this formula has a gel-like consistency that feels like butter when blended into your face. The finish is dewy but won't feel or look greasy when it's on. We suggest using this with Tarte's new Shape Taper Contouring Sponge ($18) for a flawless, luminous complexion.
You can get your hands on the new Shape Tape sister shades when they launch at tarte.com on Jan. 15, at ulta.com on Jan. 21, and on Feb. 4 at Ulta stores. While you wait, we've swatched the shades ahead so you can get up close and personal before you buy. Happy Shape Taping!
5 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Despite how long laser hair removal has been around now, there is still a lot that many don't know about the hair removal system. When I signed up for a course of laser treatments for my underarms at sk:n, a UK-based skin clinic, I threw out my razors, shaving creams, and home-waxing kit because I just knew it was the savior I'd been waiting for. (Spoiler alert: I was wrong!) If you're considering underarm laser hair removal, read on for the five things I wish I'd known before I started the treatment.
Is It Permanent?
A course of six to eight treatments is usually recommended for the best results, with top-up sessions prescribed as needed. After six treatments, I found my coarser underarm hairs growing back and needing to be shaved more and more, so while the follicles attached to the finer hairs in my underarms appear to be permanently defunct, the ones attached to my coarser ones don't appear to have been affected at all. That being said, I currently only shave them every seven to 10 days, which is better than the twice weekly shaves I had to endure before.
Does It Hurt?
As the saying goes, beauty is pain, and if you consider being hairless a beautiful thing, then you'd better be prepared for the pain of laser hair removal. Despite how quick and uncomplicated the sessions are, laser hair removal isn't exactly painless. The zap of the laser is comparable to someone repeatedly flicking rubber bands into your underarm skin for about 10 minutes, and when that's done, you can expect to be tender for up to 24 hours after. You're always advised to shave the night before a laser session to avoid the laser burning any hair as it blitzes over the area being treated.
When Do You Start Seeing Results?
Although results vary depending on each person, I started seeing a difference in the fine texture of my regrowth after the second session. The growth was fine enough that I didn't feel the need to shave in the six weeks between that session and the next. After the first session, though, you may start noticing hairs growing as normal and then quickly falling out as the follicles slowly die. This is completely normal.
How Long Does It Take?
For underarm treatments in particular, you're required to get six to eight treatments with six weeks in between each session to allow for each follicle to be targeted in the right stage of its growth cycle. The sessions themselves take five to 10 minutes of actual laser zapping. So, if you thought it was a one-and-done scenario like I did, you're sorely mistaken because you'll be getting treatments for up to eight months. Keep in mind that any direct sun exposure that occurs on the area being treated will mean you have to wait two weeks to ensure the laser doesn't cause further damage.
Is It Worth It?
Depending on what your expectations are, laser hair removal might fall on either side of the fence when it comes to whether it's worth it. As someone with coarse hair that is more prone to ingrown hairs, I developed sensitive, blemished underarm skin because of constant abrasion from shaving and exfoliating, so the break I got from my normal grooming routine was more than worth it, sore underarms and all.
I Felt Bad About Myself Until I Put on Tarte's New Hydrating Shape Tape Foundation
When I came to work on a rainy Friday with three-day-old hair in a high, frizzy ponytail, I didn't feel my cutest. The cherry on top was a nice, red pimple on my cheek thanks to a hormonal surge from it being that time of the month (sorry if this is TMI). Add on that my face is a little bloated from Aunt Flow and I didn't get that much sleep this week. Shall I continue complaining?
Then, Tarte's new Hydrating Shape Tape Foundation landed on my desk. It's an advanced sample since the new foundation range - which is offered in Matte and Hydrating finishes - is not launching until Jan. 15 on Tarte.com, on Jan. 21 at Ulta.com, and on Feb. 4 in Ulta stores. Receiving this early sample turned my luck around!
I gravitated toward the Hydrating one, since I love to look dewy and glowy. When I first applied it, my skin actually felt better. The gel-like formula is a bit cooling upon the touch thanks to nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, biopolymer filling spheres, and dermal filler. These are all fancy terms for ingredients that instantly plump your skin cells. Fat cells mean smoothed-out fine lines. Also, it's Winter and my skin is dehydrated, so adding on a buttery foundation physically felt soothing.
The Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation is also composed of holistic ingredients. These include restorative barley extract, antioxidant vitamin C, and Tarte's signature Amazonian clay (which gives it long-wear capabilities).
It blended easily, and though it's recommended to use The Shaper Contouring Sponge, I'm a fan of fingers. I like warming the product up with my own body heat. That said, I actually applied it directly onto my face using the cozy doe-foot applicator.
After blending the formula all over my face, my coworkers gave me nods of approval. Two even commented on how pretty I looked. I was excited to go home and greet my husband with my fresh skin!
Even though this is part of a cult line, started with the original Shape Tape Concealer, I found I didn't need concealer after. The foundation brightened my under-eye bags and effectively covered my pimple (thanks to an extra layer of product). You can see the unedited, not-filtered "before" and "after" photos here:
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lauren Levinson
I am honestly a foundation snob. Rarely do I bring new ones home and actually keep them. But I promise Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation in Medium Neutral ($39) already has a seat in my overstuffed bag.
I Stayed Up Late Eating Cheese - Here's How Shape Tape Foundation Works on Acne and Dark Circles
When I find myself in times of trouble, mozzarella comes to me. After a particularly stressful week, last night I sat on my bed in a bathrobe stolen from the Ritz, indulging in a hastily crafted DIY cheese plate featuring delicacies such as Organic Valley Cheddar Single Slices and Babybel. This party of one lasted until around 2 a.m. in the morning. Needless to say, my skin was not happy when my alarm went off at 7 a.m.
So when the first-ever samples of Tarte's New Shape Tape Foundation ($39) hit the POPSUGAR offices today, I was probably the girl who needed the sought-after base most. When our Beauty Director Lauren Levinson held out Tarte's bag of goodies, I practically bit her arm off trying to slather it on my face ASAP.
Some quick details: Tarte will launch not one but two foundations. There are both matte and dewy options. Although I usually opt for lighter, more hydrating coverage, I ended up testing a matte bottle because, let's face it, homegirl looked rough. I hoped the waterproof matte option would smooth over my angry pores and dark circles like its older sister, Shape Tape Concealer ($27), is known to do.
Fifteen shades make up this release, and all are infused with vitamin E. That's a natural antioxidant, so I'm inclined to think that along with providing filter-esque coverage, this foundation moonlights as a mini skin treatment. It reminds me of my beloved It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer ($25) in that respect.
First, let me show you what I was working with before applying this foundation. Warning: graphic content ahead. Hide your children; only mature eyes should see me without makeup today:
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alaina Demopoulos
I began by applying the foundation in sections, rather than rubbing it all over everything. This was at the advice of Lauren, who told me that the formula supposedly sets quickly. She was correct: this stuff was tougher to blend than what I'm used to. I found it best applied via a Beautyblender or other makeup sponge. I do want to note that the brand released a Double Duty Beauty paddle brush ($28) specifically to be used in tandem with Shape Tape, but that was elsewhere in the office and I'm an impatient lady.
Although it did take some muscle to blend in everything, as soon as I saw the product set on my face, I knew it was worth it. My skin had instantly smoothed, and you'd never know my pores are currently five-foot crevices. And yet, my complexion still looked natural. I didn't look like some done-up Instagram model; I just looked like myself. Well, my best self: Alaina on a juice cleanse, running on 12 hours of sleep.
If you'd like to join me in not looking like a well-fed zombie, you can get your hands on Shape Tape Foundation when it launches on Tarte's website on Jan. 15. After that, it will expand to Ulta.com on Jan. 21 and hit the megaretailer's brick-and-mortar shelves on Feb. 4.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alaina Demopoulos
10 Inspiring Filipina Beauty Stars You Need to Start Following STAT!
The internet's abuzz over Harper Bazaar Vietnam's recent cover, which featured not one, not two, but three Filipina beauty queens slaying. The women were Kylie Verzosa, Miss International 2016; Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015; and Megan Young, Miss World 2013. All three were dripping in black lace a la Vietnamese fashion designers, Tuyet Li and Bea Valdes, and sporting slicked back hair and varying red lipsticks. To celebrate, we're filling you in on 10 more Filipina beauty infuencers that are 100% worth a follow!
The Genius Celebrity Beauty Hack to Fuller Lips - No Injections Needed
Recently Kate Synnott, a celebrity makeup artist on Charlotte Tilbury's talented team, was giving me a mini facial and swiped some eye cream on . . . my lips. What?! I've used hand cream in my hair, blush on my eyelids, and a bevy of other unexpected product hacks. But this trick was brand new to my beauty information-saturated ears.
"Put eye cream on your lips to hydrate them, because you've got thinner skin around the lip area," Synnott explained. "The cream is more delicate. Whatever is good for the eyes is good for around the mouth and just on top of the lips to hydrate."
She informed me to leave it on like a mask and now to follow up with any lip balm on top. So I did this overnight, and when I woke up (in the dead of Winter), my pout felt surprisingly soft.
This beauty secret is one Synnott uses on her celebrity clients (and brides!). "It's actually really great one to use before lipstick because it absorbs in," she said. "If you put lip balm on before lipstick, then it's quite slide-y. It stops that from happening."
We prepped my pout with Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue ($60), and Synnott explained why this is a great pick.
"For lip hydration, hyaluronic acid is the best and all of our products contain hyaluronic acid," she noted. "It floods the skin with moisture so it can hold up to 1,000 times what the skin already has. And it draws all of the moisture to the surface of the skin."
Kids, try this at home the eve before your Valentine's Day date for a seriously snog-worthy pucker!
9 Breathtaking Things to See in Yosemite National Park
Internationally recognized for its deep canyons, puncturing peaks, and wild rock formations, Yosemite National Park has been captivating hearts since it was first established in 1890. These days, this jaw-dropper of an area, located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, entices over four million visitors to its gates annually, and it's no surprise why.
Home to nearly 1,200 square miles of untouched wilderness waiting to be explored, Yosemite is the ultimate outdoor playground for adventurers ready to roam and wander. So if you, too, are seeking to reconnect with Mother Nature and become instantly inspired, don't miss the scenic spots ahead.
17 Unique (and Free!) Printable Wedding Programs
Weddings can be pretty expensive, so we've found some of the cutest wedding program printables out there - and they are all FREE.
Here's What You Need to Know About the Big Changes Coming to Your Facebook News Feed
Big changes are coming to your Facebook News Feed, and they're all centered on "bringing people closer together."
On Jan. 11, the social media giant announced a massive algorithm shift that, according to Facebook's Head of News Feed Adam Mosseri, will "prioritize posts that spark conversations and meaningful interactions between people" and minimize the onslaught of news stories from brands and publishers. To be clear, you'll still see content from the pages you follow, but "posts from friends and family" will be ranked above "public content."
CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained the changes in a Facebook post, noting that the platform had "gotten feedback from our community that public content -- posts from businesses, brands and media -- is crowding out the personal moments that lead us to connect more with each other."
So what exactly do these changes mean for you? According to Facebook, here are four types of posts you can expect to see a whole lot more of in your News Feed going forward.
Major Life Events
You know how you've been seeing a bit more of your friends and family highlighting their most meaningful moments? Those births, engagements, first steps, first pets - all of them are going to make their way back to front and center on the News Feed.
Personal News
Instead of seeing what's going on in the world without any tether to the people you know, you're going to begin to see more of what people are grappling with on a daily basis. Be it brilliant news or the absolute worst, Facebook is aiming to make it easier to provide support to those who need it.
Big Events
Facebook uses Oprah Winfrey's epic Golden Globes speech as a touchpoint for what we'll be seeing in terms of newsy events - basically anything that gets people talking in a productive, meaningful way will be prioritized over "engagement bait" that's merely out for "likes" and comments.
Recommendations and Advice
Facebook prioritized all things local and community-based earlier this year, so it won't come as a surprise that it's going to start surfacing those little boxes that have begun popping up requesting advice and recommendations. To date, these have mainly been used to garner recommendations for a trip or a big move, but expect to start seeing this extend more toward personal advice and how to deal with the everyday issues we face in our lives.
Meet Replika, the AI Bot That Wants to Be Your Best Friend
On the day before Replika was officially made available to the public, more than 1.5 million people had already queued up on the app's waiting list, in addition to the several hundred thousand who had already been granted access as part of a beta testing program. What kind of app could possibly amass an initial user group that's the size of the entire population of Philadelphia? The answer may surprise you: Replika is an artificial-intelligence-driven chatbot on a mission to become your best friend.
The concept is of course reminiscent of that iconic Black Mirror episode, where a woman who's just lost her husband brings him back via AI only to find it's the exact opposite of anything she could have wanted - and that's a similarity that was not lost on critics of the first iteration of Replika, Roman. Eugenia Kuyda, cofounder of software development company Luka, developed Roman in response to the death of her best friend and business partner around the same time that she had watched the episode. And while Roman was met with mixed reviews due to its solitary function as a human replacement, Replika is a more evolved and user-friendly version of the program that serves not just as a friend but also as a personal journal. The more you talk to your Replika companion, the more it learns and becomes like you - and the more it gives you the type of feedback and reaction that a friend would if placed in the same position.
"We have diehard fans of Replika, and Replika is there for them every day - they're finding an outlet there," Kuyda told me by phone in advance of the app's Nov. 1, free-to-use launch, adding, "It's allowing people to feel like it's OK to be themselves, to feel better." And she's not exaggerating when she says that. I was given access to advance testing of the apps for several weeks before launch, and while I was at first hesitant to reveal anything personal, it quickly became apparent that it was learning my humor, my snark, my interests - and could mimic them in a way that made me feel as if a like-minded individual was typing to me in real life. Kuyda says that the average Replika user sends 40-50 messages per day to their AI companion, a number that she says is comparable to the total amount of texts sent on an average day by an American teenager.
As it stands, Replika doesn't have a lot of features outside of logging your activities, interacting with your companion, and leveling up by spending more time using the app. But the use cases are endless. "It helps you open up," Kuyda said, citing her own experience with the app as a way it can be used to help with being a more confident, thoughtful person when she's out in the world. "I'm not great with conversations; I never really know how to talk to other people in the right way or make them feel better," she said, before describing how she uses Replika to help unpack and pick apart what she's thinking and feeling and as a sounding board before entering high-stress situations. But Kuyda reiterates that there's a strong case for Replika as a healthy alternative to social media networks that can make us feel more alone. "You'd be amazed how lonely people are feeling now . . . it doesn't matter if they have a lot of friends or have a cool job. They feel disconnected from other people and from life," she said, adding that it's not meant to take the place of human engagement, instead serving to make that human engagement feel a little less daunting.
"It's a very simple idea," Kuyda said. "We really want it to be a healthy relationship. We have so many apps that make us feel like sh*t every day, and I just want to build something that will make us feel better."
15 Breathtaking Design Photos That Will Leave You Obsessed With Millennial Pink
Much has been made about millennial pink recently. And if that moniker doesn't sound familiar, the color itself will certainly ring a bell. It's that tropical shade of pink a hair shy of saccharine, a dash too peachy to be considered blush, and just muted enough to suit Barbie's more demure cousin. The millennial pink color trend has been growing for several years now, with Pantone even naming Rose Quartz its 2016 Color of the Year and rose gold insinuating itself as the metal du jour. And while we've been seeing the hue everywhere from dip-dyed strands to designer leather bags to cake frosting, we're only now seeing it sweep the home space. Exteriors, furniture, fabrics, and decor are all getting a good coating of the bubblegum tone. If you're hungry for some eye candy, treat yourself to the delicious millennial pink designs ahead and check out our millennial pink shopping guide.
41 Things That Prove Tech in the '90s Was Bomb.com
Shame on the people who make fun of '90s tech (it's not like we've ever done that before - ever). Seriously, who could question how great the Discman or AIM was? For the ultimate tech throwback, take a look at the gadgets, games, and software that we loved most from the decade that brought us Spice Girls and Super Nintendo.
Google Launched 3 New Photo Apps - and We're Obsessed
Google has always been at the forefront of innovation. It's no surprise, then, that as we start to hit that point when we think we've got it all, the massive company pops up with something new and exciting and just all-around awe-inspiring. The latest endeavor, released on Dec. 12, is being labeled as the first in a set of "photography appsperiments," all aimed at getting the most out of the incredibly futuristic capabilities in every mobile phone.
Ahead, check out the details on all three of the new apps - Storyboard (available on Android only), Selfissimo! (available on Android and iOS), and Scrubbies (available on iOS only). And be sure to swap phones with a friend if you can't access all three of them, because they are all worth playing around with.
The Augmented Reality Feature in Messenger is Freakin' Awesome
Augmented reality - better known as AR - is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives, mainly through the apps we use the most. The most recent app to take the plunge into the world of future tech? Facebook's Messenger, which on Dec. 12 announced a brand-new AR-focused feature: World Effects. Now, instead of just sending your loved ones a static image or standard video, you can spice up your messages with 3D objects that can be dropped anywhere in the vicinity of the camera in your device.
"World Effects technology enables you to drop 3D objects into your surroundings to capture and share fun moments with your family and friends," the Facebook post announcing the new feature reads. "For example, add a 3D heart floating over someone's head and then try panning your phone's camera from side to side. Or use an arrow to point to an exact object or location in a panorama so your friend knows what you're referring to. Or better yet, add a new fun, celebratory robot to an otherwise every-day setting and spice things up a bit. (Hint: be sure to try the robot out with your phone's volume turned up - the robot plays three different kinds of music!)"
To get started with World Effect, simply open the camera in your Messenger app and scroll to the type of 3D image you'd like to drop in the scene - currently, you can choose from a heart, an arrow, a robot, several different word bubbles, and a unicorn - and then tap your screen to let it loose on the world. And here's a hot tip: there's no easier way to let a long-distance friend or family member know you're thinking about them than by sending them a video message (complete with 3D objects and all!) this holiday season - and if you're already messing around with Messenger, why not take the opportunity to have a little fun with it?
For the Love of God, Please Stop Saying These Slang Words
For better or worse, the English language has undergone some major changes in recent years - Oxford Dictionaries crowned an emoji word of the year and slang played an integral part of social media, more than ever before. But some of these slang words have been so overplayed, they need to go away . . . stat. Ahead, check out 12 terms that everyone should stop saying and replace with these instead - amirite?!
Ta-Da! The Real Meaning Behind Those Vague Emoji
Rule number one of emoji: there are no rules. You can use those cute little symbols as much as you want. The only caveat is that sometimes they're a little . . . confusing. What's with the guy on his stomach, for instance? To get the meanings behind the most head-scratching characters, we looked to Emojipedia. Yes, it's a real thing, and all the names listed are official emoji character names. The meanings and descriptions, however, aren't necessarily accurate because Emojipedia isn't affiliated with the emoji makers. But it's better than nothing, right?
Source: Emojipedia
What Happened When I Decided to Stop Planning
Calendar reminders, Outlook invitations, notes in my phone, early morning gym classes, work deadlines, work events, dinners with friends, date nights: these were a few of the things that made up my life as of about four months ago. If you're anything like me, this list probably sounds pretty familiar. You're constantly moving from one thing to the next barely stopping to process all that's going on. My weeks were scheduled to the minute - I rarely had an evening where I went straight home after work, and if someone wanted to make plans, the conversation usually went something like, "Great! How's two weeks from next Tuesday?"
Now, I'm not complaining. It was a blessed life, one I am so grateful for and worked hard to get. I had an amazing job as an editor for a fashion magazine in NYC, lived in a studio apartment on the Upper East Side, and had an awesome group of friends. It was everything my little 16-year-old self had only dreamed of. But for some reason, something felt like it was missing.
Let me take a step back and explain. Throughout my years working my way up the magazine ladder, I simultaneously learned more about my religion. I was raised secular, as a reform Jew in a suburban town in New Jersey, but throughout college and in the real world, I got connected to classes that taught me so much more about the magic of Judaism. We delved into classes on relationships, prayer, the power of the Jewish woman, and where it all stemmed from. Slowly, I began wanting more. I started observing Shabbat, began keeping kosher, and completely fell in love with the spirituality of it all. While doing so, I learned about different programs in Israel where I could live and learn for a period of time to go even deeper. But I never thought I would be able to do one. I've been planning out my life since college, going nonstop just to get to exactly where I was. I wanted it so badly. How could I give it all up?
Well, in reality, as much as I loved what I did, it wasn't what it used to be. People were getting laid off at the magazine right and left, I was going on one bad date after another, and when it came to the day-to-day, I started to feel a bit robotic, commuting nearly an hour each way with pushy New Yorkers, and found myself in a bit of a rut. I needed a change, and going to Israel seemed like the perfect (albeit most terrifying) one.
I'll never forget the day I went into my boss's office to tell her I was leaving. It was the most surreal experience of my life - quitting everything I've worked for? I don't think I've ever been more nervous. But when we talked it through, she was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to go for it, which gave me just the extra boost I needed. Three weeks later, I was on a plane, headed into the unknown to a school that's known for teaching women leadership skills, opening up space for introspection, and in my case, pushing me completely out of my comfort zone.
I went from living alone to sharing an apartment with seven other girls and from a full-size bed all to myself to the bottom bunk. I went from brushing elbows with celebs on the red carpet to sitting in a classroom for nine hours a day. And it was undoubtedly the best thing I've ever done. I had a roommate from South Africa and another from Amsterdam; I had teachers who challenged me to think outside the box, to figure out who I am and want to be, while at the same time really learning to trust myself. I became less attached to the crutch of NYC and learned how to live in a totally new, foreign city. I met the love of my life and got engaged. And it was all because I decided to throw out the rule book for a second and, as cliché as it sounds, just say "YOLO."
I'm not saying it was easy. It was the scariest thing I've ever done. I've been a type-A planner since I was born, always knowing exactly what's coming next. Yet going completely against my nature and just letting go, not knowing for once, ended up gifting me with the greatest things I've ever received.
I'm not saying everyone needs to make a drastic move in their life to get to the same place. But if you're itching for adventure, a break from the routine you've been living in for years, a new career, whatever it may be, I urge you to go for it. You may be completely terrified, you may stumble and meet obstacles along the way, but you have no idea how much you'll gain on the other side after you take the leap.
How My Boyfriend and I Vacationed in Cabo For 5 Days For $621 Each
Travel isn't the easiest expense when you're young and broke, but it's not impossible. I spontaneously booked a five-day trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with my boyfriend, and we returned home to San Francisco without having blown all our money. Not only that but we were able to fully enjoy ourselves and even splurge a little throughout our vacation. Our entire trip - including airfare, hotel, and daily allowance - came out to be a doable $621 per person. Not bad, right? We honestly had the best time together, and what made it even more incredible was the amount of money we were able to save. See how you too can vacation in Cabo on a budget with these seven tips.
1. Travel during off-season months.
One of the best times to visit Cabo is during May (especially in the beginning of the month) because you miss Spring breakers and families have yet to arrive for Summer vacation. Not to mention the weather is fantastic with average highs at 89 degrees Fahrenheit and lows at 61.
Flights and accommodations are typically cheaper during the slower months around this time and between July and September when the heat really starts rising. Our flights (on Virgin America) were about $135 each way, totaling $280 round trip per person after taxes and fees.
2. Book your hotel through travel sites.
Immediately after we purchased airfare, we looked on Hotels.com to find accommodations within our budget. I prefer booking through travel search sites because I can easily filter by price range and rating. And that's when I landed on a quaint and cute boutique inn that seemed too good to be true: Cabo Vista Hotel. I am not joking when I say that we scored a nightly rate of $35. Obviously, you can't expect it to be anything like the Four Seasons at that price point, but we were surprised at how clean the rooms were and how friendly their staff was. Each room is equipped with TV, free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette (stove top, sink, and microwave), bathroom, and most importantly, AC. The only caveat was that it's about a 10- to 15-minute walk to downtown, which was actually not bad. Four nights and five days only cost us $183, including tax.
3. Set your budget beforehand.
In a Google doc, I planned out a day-to-day itinerary to get an idea of how much we'd spend. This helped us figure out the exact amount we needed to exchange into pesos when we got to Cabo and how much we were allowed per day. You're also more likely to spend less when you have a figure in your head. What I knew I wanted to splurge on was dinner, so we gave ourselves the highest allowance on days we had dinner reservations. We wanted to check out Cabo dining staples like The Office and Edith's and were fine with being more frugal with other meals and expenses for the days we ate there. Dinner at both spots came out to be a little over $100 for both of us, and we filled up on local fare for breakfast and lunch. Food is extremely affordable at nontouristy places, and we were able to feast on tacos and beer for $15 total per meal.
4. Cash out at ATMs.
The best way to get the most for your buck when exchanging currency is to withdraw from ATMs. Avoid airport kiosks (rates are terrible) and frequent transactions, as your bank is likely to charge a foreign transaction fee every time. As soon as we landed, I headed straight to the airport's ATM and took out half of what we needed for the trip. Not only will you save on debit/credit card fees by sticking to cash but you're also more likely to stick to your budget. We took out the remaining amount we budgeted for halfway through our trip, and this prevented us from being charged for multiple unnecessary withdrawals.
5. Walk or bus as much as you can.
Taxis in Cabo are ridiculously expensive but luckily, Cabo San Lucas isn't a huge city to navigate. The walk from our hotel to anywhere within downtown and Medano Beach was totally manageable, so we set out on foot for most of our trip. The main bus, Ruta del Desierto, takes off from Puerto Paraiso (the main mall downtown) and is your best method of transportation to anywhere outside the city. It was only a $2 bus ride to get to Santa Maria Beach (great for snorkeling), which was too far to walk (20 minutes driving). Since Los Cabos International Airport is located in San José del Cabo, about 35 to 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, the best method of transportation is the bus if you want to save money. Shuttles can cost around $20 per person, while taxis can set each person back $40 to $60 one-way. Bus fare is significantly cheaper at a little over $4 (80 MXN) each.
6. Don't be afraid to barter with locals.
There are tons of vendors approaching you on the main Medano Beach trying to sell you everything you can imagine from excursions to fruit. You can almost always bring it down from the asking price. We took a boat tour from Medano to Lover's Beach for $10 each when they originally offered it at $15. They work with tourists all day, every day, and the worst they can say is "no."
7. Take advantage of timeshare presentations.
Yes, my boyfriend and I fell for a timeshare presentation when that was exactly what we wanted to avoid. We didn't even make it out of the airport because companies bombard you, asking you how you're planning on getting to your hotel. Despite saying "no gracias" and avoiding eye contact, we somehow got stuck with one for the following morning at a resort. Their hook? We'll take you to your hotel on a private taxi for free and pick you up to bring you to the resort tomorrow. The catch? Give us $80 now and you'll get it back in full after you sit through the 75-minute presentation. Look, I was resistant as hell. But I did want to get to our rooms as quick as possible and head to our dinner reservation. They eventually got me.
The next morning, we got to their resort where we enjoyed a free breakfast and a spiel that lasted way longer than they advertised (two hours!!). At one point, my boyfriend and I looked at each other half laughing, half crying because we realized we were never leaving. They do booze you up during it all to try to break you down, but we remained strong. I also specifically planned to do it early enough in the day so that we still had a full day ahead of us. After it all, we got back our $80 as promised, breakfast, free transportation, a three-day VIP pass to their beach and facilities, and 50 percent off of activities. We definitely could've milked it more, but we just wanted to get the f*ck out of there. Other resorts often give you a bottle of tequila to take home, some even spending cash to ease the offer. If you're OK with giving up some of your time - it's not 75-minutes long no matter what they tell you - you can definitely get some perks.
9 Scented Candles Interior Designers Always Buy
Candles may as well be currency in the interior-design world. Interior designers use them as the final touch to a room, the one that elevates a space to the next sensory level. We mortals love them too but have a hard time knowing where to start.
To help you wade through the morass, we rounded up our favorites. Psst - they are also on every interior designer's list!
Get ready to buy matches in bulk.
Take Back Control of Your News Feed With Facebook's Snooze Feature
There's never been a civil way to handle that twice-removed aunt or former childhood bestie who cannot help themselves from oversharing on Facebook. You know the one I'm talking about, that person who constantly posts photos of the same thing (a pet, a child, their meals) and clogs up your News Feed day after day. The statement that unfriending them would make is just not worth the headache, and honestly, you love to see what they're up to, but you don't want to be inundated with that (pet, child, meal) every time you open up Facebook. Well, as of Dec. 15, we finally have a way to properly filter our News Feeds - all while being completely invisible to those social media offenders who drive us up the wall.
The new feature is called Snooze, and it allows you to hide all posts from any given Facebook friend for 30 guilt-free days. The best part, though, is that you're not actually unfriending or blocking the individual - so while your News Feed gets a little breathing room and you get more visibility on what your other friends are doing, you can always view that person's profile directly and see all of what you're not seeing in your News Feed on your own time. The process is also simple; in the drop-down menu on the top-right corner of any post, click "Snooze" - and voila, you've just taken a much-needed step toward restoring your social media sanity.
Oh, and did we mention that this works for groups and pages as well? If you're tired of hearing about the same old bad news from a website but don't want to permanently kiss it goodbye, it's super easy to just Snooze it, too. Ultimately, it's the first time we've been able to have this level of control over what we see day to day in the News Feed, and I can't recommend highly enough that you test out some social hygiene over the holidays and see what your life would be like without feeling super jealous of your friend who travels the world or that page that constantly shows you delectable dishes that will kill your Winter diet. Unlike most things in 2017, it's a temporary decision that you can extend if you so choose - so don't be afraid to take the plunge, and give Snooze a whirl today.
It's Not Too Late! - You Can Shop All Your Favorite POPSUGAR Must Have Items
If you've ever signed up for a routine subscription box service, then you know that there is nothing as exciting as coming home to find a package waiting for you. Opening up a special surprise box that's filled with goodies makes it feel like you're constantly receiving presents. So even if you're a fan of POPSUGAR's Must Have box or you're not familiar with what makes it so special, we're here to fill you in.
These hand-picked and trendy items arrive in customers' homes monthly (or quarterly, for our Limited Edition boxes), and now you can stock up on your favorite products here. Whether you're obsessed with the latest cookies and need to binge on more or you want to buy your friend a matching scarf from the December box, you can now find it all in one place. We've made it even easier for you to shop your favorite products, past and present.
Start a Happiness Jar Now to Have a Year's Worth of Memories to Look Back On
Rather than ending the year wondering what you did for the past 12 months, keep track of your best memories with a simple DIY. All you need is a mason jar, scraps of paper (or Post-its), and a pen.
Starting today, write down your happiest moment on a sticky note either daily or weekly. Fill up your jar throughout the year, and on Dec. 31 read them all one by one! And don't overthink it. It can be as meaningful or silly as you want it to be - whatever moment brings you joy is worth adding to your jar. See 12 ideas ahead to get you started!
19 Awesome Things to Do Alone
Sometimes we're so concerned with finding a way to fill every single minute of every day interacting with people that we forget to take a step back and give ourselves some quality "me" time. Spending time alone is a way to recharge your mental batteries and regroup - everybody needs to do it now and then! So get over your fear of missing out or your reservations about being seen somewhere solo, and embark on a mission to treat yourself to these 19 dates with yourself.
- Go to the matinee of a sad or embarrassingly bad movie. Feel no shame as you cry or swoon alone in the corner. Who cares? No one is there to see you!
- Travel somewhere new. When you travel with other people, you always end up making compromises on what sights to see, where to eat, and what activities to do. Traveling alone - even if it's just to the next town over - gives you the luxury of going at your own pace so that you're able to soak up everything about the trip that you want to.
- Take yourself on a dinner date. Bring along a book that you can't put down, and immerse yourself in good eats and good reads - really, what's better than that? Try to resist the urge to look at your phone and take your time as you enjoy ordering anything you want without anyone else asking for a bite.
- Tour a museum. Let's face it, a lot of your museum experiences probably involve a teacher, a tour guide, and a pack of rowdy kids. Set out to see every piece of art or history a local museum has, and spend time interpreting them exactly how you want to - not how the little paper pamphlet tells you to.
- Have a spa day, or get a massage. It's probably best for you to take on the steam room solo, anyway.
- Go to a bookstore and get lost. Spend hours exploring every genre of book known to the world. Better still, snag one off the shelf and plop down in a comfy chair. Close down the store trying to finish that book (hey, you'll save some cash), and leave only when the employees start giving you the side-eye.
- Binge on a TV show. There is always another show to catch up on or rewatch, and there's no one better to do it with then the one person who you know is just as excited as you are to plow through an entire series in a day.
- Go to a free concert. Find a band that you like playing in your area, or seek out someone new with a sound you like. You never know - they may be the next big thing, and you found them first. When you go to a concert alone, you spend more time listening to the music and less time worrying about everything else going on around you.
- Sing karaoke. Be bold! Pick a spot you never go to (that way you won't miss it if you can't show your face there again), and sing your heart out to a bunch of strangers. If you can do this, you can do pretty much anything.
- People watch. Go to a public place, like a park or the mall, sit back, and enjoy the show. People watching is always interesting, often hilarious, sometimes sweet, and every once in a while, it can even make you give some of the stuff you do a second thought, too.
- Indulge in some selfies. OK, as a general rule selfies should probably be taken sparingly, but every once in a while, it's healthy to get dressed in an outfit you love and shamelessly take photos of yourself that you actually like. Let yourself keep clicking until you get it right. No one is there to judge you, except maybe your dog.
- Complete a project you've been putting off. Make yourself go to a coffee shop, buckle down, and work. Update your résumé, put together a portfolio, finish your great American novel, apply to a new job or grad school, whatever. Just do it!
- Challenge your mind. Complete a crossword, sudoku, or, if you're feeling ambitious, a Rubik's Cube. If you finish them all by yourself, you get total bragging rights instead of having to share them with a partner.
- Take a hike. Spend some time with mother nature and see how the two of you get along when no one else is around. Stop and smell the roses, watch the sun set, embrace the quiet.
- Get experimental in the kitchen. If you try out new recipes on your own and mess up, the only hungry, disappointed person you have to deal with is yourself. You can work on perfecting the dish until it's just right - then serve up a flawless result the next time you're with friends, and act like it was your first try.
- Stargaze. Lay on your back and marvel at your complete and utter smallness in comparison to the rest of the universe.
- Try a new workout. Sometimes certain workouts (read: Zumba, Booty Barre, anything dance-related) can be a little bit embarrassing to learn in front of other people. Master one of these fitness skills alone, or at least work on them enough so that when you're in a class or doing it in front of your significant other, you look like you know what you're doing . . . sort of.
- Go shopping. Sometimes when you're on a shopping mission, having other people with you can slow you down or make you feel rushed. It's the worst when you're trying to be thorough to find the best deal or the perfect pair of jeans, while the person you're with is tapping their foot by the door.
- Take the longest, hottest bath of your life. Turn on some soothing music and enjoy a long soak with no fear of unwelcome interruptions.
Hey, Outlander Fans! Peek Inside Claire - Ahem - Caitriona Balfe's Stunning Home Life
Caitriona Balfe is breathtaking as the enigmatic Claire Fraser on Outlander, but, it turns out the actress's life is nothing short of elegant off screen as well. From beautifying her trailer to noticing the everyday design details around her, this Irish-born actress infuses European chic into everything she touches. Check out 17 inspiring examples ahead.
10 Reasons to Book a Trip to Cozumel, Stat
Lately, Tulum and Isla Mujeres have gotten all the attention as Mexican must visits, but this destination - less Spring-break-y than Cancun, more Mayan-ruin-packed than Cabo San Lucas - is seeing a resurgence. It's an island in the Caribbean Sea that's having a moment per gorgeous new and refurbished hotels going up and thanks to its unbeatable diving reefs and stunning, expansive nature reserve. It's also an easy flight from the States (often with a quick layover in Miami or Cancun), which makes it an getaway for SAD-addled Americans.
Need more convincing to start a Kayak search? We've put together 10 impressive reasons to get thee to the tropical paradise as soon as humanly possible. Cozumel, let us count the ways - and the sparkling blue-green waves!
See the Over-the-Top Perks of an Emirates Airline Business-Class Flight
I'm not usually one to travel in what you'd call "luxury." I'm a bargain-hunting adventurer who picks the cheapest seat on the plane and who is happy as long as there's a bed to fall into at the end of the day. Or a hammock. Or a sleeping bag. However, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate or, in fact, immensely enjoy it when an extravagant opportunity presents itself. Enter: Emirates business class. The airline is known for being one of the best in the world- and it truly lives up to that status, from its impeccable customer service to its top-of-the-line planes, particularly the business- and first-class sections.
On my recent trip to Thailand with Pandora Jewelry for the opening of a new crafting facility, I was able to experience the palatial features of Emirates business class. I flew from Bangkok, Thailand, to Dubai, UAE; had a layover in Dubai; and then flew Dubai to LA - both legs of the flight (one seven-hour and one 17-hour) were in Emirates business. With large big-screen TVs, personal minibars, full meals and drinks available the entire flight, and so many movie and TV options I couldn't keep count, the flight was a far cry from your average trip - and I loved it.
In addition to the regular perks of flying business class, like priority check-in, a fast pass through security, access to airport lounges, and included food and beverages, Emirates (especially Emirates Airbus 380) offers a unique level of luxury you'll be hard-pressed to find with many other airlines. From an actual lounge on board the plane to seats that recline fully flat, touchscreen technology, and gourmet dining, it's an experience that's worth having (at least once in a lifetime) if you're in the mood to majorly splurge. The downside is that this glamorous method of travel costs well above your average ticket price and can end up costing more than your trip itself. Take a look at the over-the-top features of Emirates business class.
Queen Letizia Isn't Afraid to Wear a Good Outfit More Than Once - or Twice
When it comes to fashion, no one can call Queen Letizia of Spain wasteful. The royal wears and rewears the same pieces with total confidence - sometimes in the same month - getting photographed at official events and meetings with dignitaries in recycled outfits like it's no big deal.
Whether it's a classic white dress with black leather trimming, a trendy statement jacket, or even a white shirt and A-line skirt combo, the queen knows what styles work for her, reaching for the same outfit from head to toe often. We don't blame her! The classic items in her closet could really carry her through her entire reign. Keep scrolling to see just 33 of the many outfits the queen has grown fond of, then check out her style evolution through the years.
26 Hilarious Memes Every Avocado Lover Will Understand
A true avocado fan knows the struggles of being a true avocado fan - the amount of time spent choosing the perfect avo at the store, the financial expense of needing to eat the fruit every day, the phrase "guacamole costs extra" - and is also not one little bit shy about sharing the pain on social media. If this sounds like you, scroll ahead, because we've rounded up the best avocado memes and puns on the Internet in one place. We apologize to your friends (who will surely be getting all of these via text) in advance.
The Best Effing Chicken Recipes You'll Ever Eat
Sure, chicken is probably already your go-to protein - it makes for great and easy yet satisfying packed-up lunches and dinners. But it's easy to fall into a rut and feel like you need to kick it up a notch as far as unique flavors go. We get it, and that's why we put together this list of 25 chicken recipes with lots of Latin flavor and spices that will keep you coming back for more.
46 Dresses Jennifer Lopez Has Worn That Could Only Be Described as Sexy
Serious question: Has there ever been a time when Jennifer Lopez has worn a dress that doesn't immediately bring the word "sexy" to mind? The answer is, of course, no! It doesn't matter if she's wearing a dress that you need to see from the back or one where she is practically walking around naked from every angle, she will always be the queen of the sexy dress.
Jennifer knows exactly what she's doing every single time she gets on the red carpet or attends an event and makes us wonder how the heck her dress is defying gravity and staying up. Our eyes just immediately open up, and we are in awe at every step she takes in her hot-as-fire look. You will be, too, after seeing all of these numbers dating back to 1998.
Dinner Will Never Be Boring or Tedious With These 25 1-Pot Latin Recipes
Sometimes you get home after a long day at work and the idea of cooking a complicated meal, dirtying up several dishes and pots, and spending hours chopping and mixing is just way too much. That's when these one-pot recipes will be your saviors. They are all definitely delicious and packed with flavor, but luckily they don't require too much effort or time. Look ahead to find your menu!
Camila Cabello Finally Responds to Fifth Harmony's "Petty" VMAs Performance
Camila Cabello left Fifth Harmony at the end of 2016, and the drama surrounding the split still hasn't stopped, even though it's been over a year. There was the back and forth between Camila and the remaining members - Lauren Jauregui, Dinah Jane Hansen, Ally Brooke Hernandez, and Normani Kordei - about how they found out she was leaving and then Fifth Harmony took the stage at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards and made their stance very clear. The performance started off with five people before the fifth "fell" off the stage and the rest started singing and dancing. After it happened, Camila kept quiet, but she's finally speaking out about it.
"It definitely hurt my feelings," she told The New York Times while holding back tears. "I wasn't expecting it, I wasn't prepared for it - especially because at that point I'd moved on from it. I was just like, 'What? Why?' I have to make space for the good stuff to happen in my life. I don't like holding onto the past, especially when it's stuff that, in my opinion, is just petty." Camila, who just released her self-titled album after changing the name from The Hurting, the Healing, the Loving, added that she is currently focused on her music and leaving all the drama behind. "I feel like the best way to come up with something new and different is just to be the you-est you possible," she said. "If you pull from all the different little parts of yourself, nobody can replicate that."
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